NM Gun Shop Slapped with a $60k Fine for Remaining Open Despite Federal Guidelines Allowing It

The New Mexico State Department of Health has hit the Papas Pawn & Gun Shop owner, Diane Rowe, with a $60,000 fine and ordered her to appear in court for remaining open against the Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham orders to close.

This is despite the gun shop practicing safety measures such as only allowing two customers inside the building at a time and observing social distancing. Additionally, the Federal guidelines had classified gun shops as critical services that would remain open during the crisis.

The victimization of the gun shop owner represents the worst case of disregard of the constitution and abuse of the civil rights of the citizens. The gun shop owner says she’s facing persecution for standing for her rights and that the fines were disproportionate.

“This is about our small businesses being just picked off,” Rowe said. “I would like to be able to stay open. It’s my constitutional right to be able to earn a living.”

The Republican party also criticized the huge fine terming it as a violation of Rowe’s civil rights and constitutional rights. The party noted that the action was yet “another unjust action against businesses trying to survive.”

Rowe also contends that the fine should only have been issued after the third warning, which she never received.

Gov. Grisham had revised her guidelines to allow businesses classified as nonessential to reopen from May 1, 2020, by offering delivery, curbside pickup, or by appointment only. However, the new directives by Gov. Grisham did not cover Cibola County. The county has very few cases of the disease raising questions on the motives of excluding the county.

The mayor of Grants City ordered businesses to reopen in protest. The mayor was also ordered to follow the orders and submit a written response. Gov. Grisham is enabling the state authorities to abuse power and victimize citizens for standing against the violation of their rights.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing universal background checks in our state, and if left unchecked, it will not be long until we see bills like this getting traction in Austin. Texas is embarrassingly ranked 29th for gun rights, and with the help of the political elites in Austin, we will surely rank among New York, California, and Illinois if left to their own devices. Please join our fight today, and help us restore Texas' place as the standard for the U.S.